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Fibromyalgia symptoms can make a trip to the local mall sound daunting. Trips to other states or countries? Those are often out of the question. The fear of sudden fibromyalgia fatigue or a flare-up of muscle pain leads many fibromyalgia patients to become homebound. In fact, in an online survey of people with fibromyalgia, 57 percent said that car travel worsened their symptoms, and airplane travel and time-zone changes were pinpointed as worsening symptoms by 34 percent each.

But people with fibromyalgia don't have to deny themselves the pleasures of travel. With careful planning and preparation, you can craft a vacation that takes into account fibromyalgia fatigue and pain, rather than become a prisoner of it.

Choose Your Destination With Four Things in Mind

“Where's the best place to visit, given my condition?” is the most crucial question for people with fibromyalgia fatigue. Travel agents can help you find a destination that will best meet your needs. Organizations such as the Arthritis Association and the National Fibromyalgia Association can also help.

Use these guidelines to help you plan wisely:

Avoid tour groups. You want to be able to travel at your own pace in case fibromyalgia fatigue strikes. Don't choose a vacation that will force you to try and keep up with a group of people.

Consider your physical limitations. Avoid destinations that will require more walking or hiking than you are able to do because of fibromyalgia fatigue. When staying at a hotel, make sure to get a ground-floor room and ask if there is concierge service to get your bags to the room.

Think local. If this is your first trip after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you might want to visit someplace near home to cut down on exhausting travel time.

Just relax. You might find a hot spring or spa resort to be the ideal destination. You can relax at the resort, soaking in a hot tub, while your traveling companions can sightsee as they like.

5 Travel Prep Steps for Fibromyalgia Patients

There are steps someone with fibromyalgia fatigue can take before a trip to help ensure a successful vacation:

Make a detailed plan. Figure out what you want to see most, and then plan your itinerary around your fibromyalgia fatigue. Include periods of rest between must-see destinations, and plan plenty of time so you can enjoy these places at your own pace. Make arrangements in advance for access to wheelchairs, motorized carts, or other necessary mobility aids.

Discuss your limitations with your traveling companions. Make sure they understand what you can and can't do, given your fibromyalgia fatigue. Be completely honest. Explain that you will need to rest at regular intervals, and that it will take you longer to sightsee. Discuss optional activities for them to enjoy while you rest.

Fly smart. If you're flying to your destination, book the flight for an off-peak time so you can get through the airport without having to wait in lines or wade through crowds. Book a direct flight, if at all possible, to avoid having to make a connection. If you can't get a direct flight, schedule plenty of time to make it to your connecting flight.

Plan for comfort. Bring pillows, cushions, and neck supports to make airplane, car, or train travel more comfortable.

Pack lightly. Bring as few clothes as possible, so you won't wear yourself out lugging heavy suitcases. Plan to use your hotel's laundry service while you're there. Find out what amenities your room includes, such as a blow dryer, so you won't have to pack those items.

3 Ways to Fight Fibromyalgia Fatigue on the Road

While you're traveling, you can help maintain your health and fight fibromyalgia fatigue by taking these steps:

Get plenty of rest. Plan for non-active times so you can recharge between excursions. Be sure to get your full eight hours of sleep, and don't be shy about ducking out of an activity if you're just not up for it.

Stretch and exercise. Be sure to stretch often while cooped up in a plane or car to make sure your muscles don't seize up. Ask your doctor how to tailor your usual workout routine while away from home — the walking you’ll do on your trip might be all the exercise you need.

Eat wisely. Stick to simple fare for most meals to keep from upsetting your stomach. Try to limit yourself to one meal of exotic or local cuisine per day.

Got a strategy in place for selecting your destination? Have you planned your itinerary? Good — now go have great vacation.

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